Humphrey Smith, the reclusive owner of Samuel Smith's Old Brewery in Tadcaster, North Yorkshire, has died at the age of 81. The mayor of Tadcaster, Richard Sweeting, confirmed the death and paid tribute to the eccentric businessman who famously banned swearing, laptops and mobile phones in his 200 pubs.
A Strict Traditionalist
Smith ran the brewery since 1963, when he was just 18. Even on Tuesday, the company's website described its pubs as "havens from the digital world – there are no TVs or background music." It added: "The use of mobile phones, laptops and other tech is not allowed in our pubs. Friendly pub conversation is encouraged (no swearing!) together with the responsible enjoyment of our beers."
Despite his reclusive nature, Smith was known for personally enforcing these rules, occasionally turning up at his pubs to ensure customers adhered to the traditional culture.
Tributes from Tadcaster
Mayor Richard Sweeting said: "Tadcaster is mourning a person that cared for this town. He had Tadcaster at heart. And he was a proper, proper gentleman." Sweeting noted that both he and Smith could trace their families back in the town's history to the 18th century.
Sweeting learned of Smith's death on Monday. "It was very quiet – shopkeepers and different people just nodding and it was lovely, a mark of respect," he said. "The flag went at half mast at the brewery, and that told us. We've all said it's an end of an era, because it is for us."
A Private Benefactor
Sweeting described Smith as a "very private man" who did many things for the town that went unnoticed. "He was a traditionalist, and he was a man of standards," the councillor said. "There are a lot amenities in this town that wouldn’t be here if it hadn’t been for Mr Smith and the brewery. He was Tadcaster through-and-through, and he was a part of our community. He had a wonderful sense of humour. I've got some lovely fond memories and I think this is the time to say thank you for what you have done."
The brewery, founded in 1758, still delivers beer by horse-drawn cart, a familiar sight in Tadcaster. Smith's death marks the end of an era for the town and the brewery's distinctive, old-fashioned approach to pub culture.
